“That will be early next year,” Ian speaks up. Good to know. I was hoping to spend some time overseas before recording a new album. Guess that will have to wait.
“We’ll take one more question,” Ian says suddenly. I look at him out of the corner of my eye and wonder what he’s up to.
“Hadley!” They all yell. I point to a woman in the back.
“Your show was great tonight. Will you and Smith be happy when the tour is over?”
I deadpan and look at Ian, who isn’t answering. I don’t know what he’s playing at, but this question should not be allowed. Not only is there no relationship between Smith and me, but I never talk about my social life.
I look back at the reporter who is smiling. This must be her million-dollar question and it makes me wonder what Smith said during his interview.
I sit forward and clear my throat. “The relationship between Smith and me is strictly professional. Once the tour is over, I’m sure I’ll see him at an awards show.” I get up and push my chair forward with some force, shaking the table. Alex is on my heels as the questions from the reporters become shouts.
I slam my dressing room door open, my hands clenched. I hear Alex lock the door, giving me time to cool down. It’s only a matter of time before Ian comes knocking on the door. I run a brush violently through my hair, until Alex takes it from my hand and directs me to my chair. I sit and she starts brushing.
“You know how he is. The tour is almost over and he needs some headlines.”
“At what expense, Alex?”
“He means well. He’s just trying to keep you in the spotlight. That’s all.”
Alex helps me fix my make-up and I change back into a dress with my boots. I want to be comfortable with these few fans, not some stuffy, pissed-off rock star. I sigh when the knocking starts. I know it’s Ian and he’s either pissed or about to be pissed. He hates meet and greets, doesn’t understand why I feel the need to spend time with people beneath me. The more he bitches, the more I have Alex schedule.
Alex opens the door. Ian stands in the doorway, one eyebrow raised. He’s asking if I’m ready. I nod and follow him and Jones down the hall. There are still fans lingering behind security. I give them a little wave before disappearing behind another door.
This is how I love a meet and greet. Music is turned on as I enter the room, playing softly in the background. Everything is relaxed. A few fans, milling around talking to each other, enjoy complimentary drinks on me. It’s me giving back. Tonight I have four sets of fans who won a chance to meet me from the tickets they purchased and one fan and a lucky guest are here because of a radio trivia game.
I introduce Alex and myself to each of the fans, giving them ample time to ask questions and for us to get to know them. The questions center around touring or what it’s like to be on stage. I’m thankful there aren’t any personal questions.
“Hi, I’m Hadley and this is my best friend, Alex.” I shake the girl’s hand in front of me. Her eyes are a bit glazed over and I wonder if I’m about to be attacked.
She shakes her head. “Sorry, I’m Dylan.”
“It’s nice to meet you. You’re my radio winner, right?”
My words make her face light up like she’s just won the lottery. This is why it’s so important to know your fans. “I am. I’m so glad I won.”
“Did you come alone? Wasn’t your package for two people?” I always have a concern with someone keeping the extra ticket for themselves and only giving the winner one. It’s happened before.
“Oh no, I brought my friend. He’s sitting down over there.” She turns and points to the guy sitting on a stool in the corner of the room. His eyes are wandering around until he looks right at me, through me. My smile is automatic, nothing forced. He sits up a little straighter before dropping his eyes to his suddenly very interesting can of Coke.
My face falls when he looks away. Why did he do that? When he looked at me, my heart began racing so fast I thought I was going to pass out. Different from the exhilaration I feel on stage. This is real, like the sun shining on just the two of us, our hands a magnetic force field bridging the gap. My palms sweat just thinking about being able to hold his hand. The rush I’m feeling now is like no other. I’ve never been one to believe in love at first sight. Can it exist after one simple look? I keep staring, hoping that for one brief moment he’ll look up, but he doesn’t. Can he feel my eyes trying to get him to look at me? I want to know more – no, I need to know more – about this girl’s friend. I take a step forward, the gravitational pull too strong for me to resist. Alex’s hand comes down on my arm, halting my progress. I turn to Alex. “I have to know him. I have this feeling, Alex. I can’t explain it.”
“He’s very cute,” she says, looking over my shoulder. I follow and have to agree. Although cute doesn’t describe him fully, I want to say gorgeous and I need to know him.